The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-29
ONG NOTED IRISH GUESTS.
nfR ARTHUR o'coNNoR AND SIR
THOMAS GRATTAN ESMoNDE.
Nrhss They Have to Say About Their
Your Through This Country and
Treir Hopes for Ireland's Independ-
eace,

eace.
FAC distinguished Irish patriots and
nchbcrs OF the British Parliament, Ar
lhM O'Connor and Sir Thomas Grattan
Esxonde, arrived in the city yesterday
xananng from st. Louis. 1t is their first
( yiss to America, but since they landed in
Hes York, on October 4, have met with
geaerous and enthusiastic reception. They
hsre visited nearly all OF the important
eslas, especially throughout the west, hay
Ing gone as far as San Francisco. The
1s.e Of DO til the eloquent defenders of
1ssir oppressed country had preceded
fhrM, and they have admirably delighted
Tie thousands who have focked to hear
thrla wherever they have spoken in be-
hall OF their righteous cause. The Kan
sss City train, which bore them TO the
rily was several hours late, not arriving
nNlil f. o'clock. The following committee
al representative citizens was in waiting
nj the depot TO welcome them: Mcssrs.
William IIorgan, NJ Gavin, James Reilly,
ym,ticc l.. NJ. Winters and ID. Lyons. The
grntlemen were driven to the Gayoso hotel,
where elegant apartments had been en-
gagged for them. Being somewhat fatigued
from travel, they at once retired TO their
rooms for short rest. Later in the after
noon an APPEAL reporter called to see
taem. Mr.. O'Connor was still rest
ing, but Sir Thomas Esmonde came
In at once. lie is quite below the average
in stature, with smooth, boyish, but
keenly intellectual face. lie is n forcible
and ready convcrsationalist, is about twen-
ty-seycn years OF age, and has already
ssrvcd two years in Parliament.
Asked as to how he was pleased with
what lac saw in this country, he replied;
al have been moving about in wonder
menl ever since | landed in New York.
This country Is fully fifty years ahead Of
eycry other country in the world, in any
line that YOU can name. The internal
trade OF these States is far greater than all
es that OF the British empire. was most
fvorably impressed with what | saw in
The west, and am sure I'll be equally de-
lighted with the SOUTH"
"What do you think Of the state oil
fhings in your own country"
al have been away from there two
months now, and all know Is what | see
IN The American papers"
''llOw is Mr.. Parncllg'
IL received letter from him few days
ago. lie is improving rapidly, and will
soon be at himself again"
GLOW long have you been a member o.
Parliament"
"Two years. by the way, this is the
18th day Of November, even two years TO
day. Sec on the silver band OF this black
hawthorne cane: Dublin Election, No
vembcr -, 1885, This was. presented Il
me on the evening Of the election by my
constituents. You ask IL the Irish caus,
Is gaining ground. / answer, emphatic
ally yes. But let me tell you-and say i
with grateful thanks-wc would have beer
crushed long ago had II not been for the
grand and generous support We have re
cgivcd from America"
"Does England regard America will
much jealousy?p
"Most assuredly she does. England see
In America her greatest rival, and ever!
movement here is closely watched. tn,
increased wealth, the rapid advance II
commerce, inventions and ideas excite lac
envy intensely"
"when do you think Ireland will hav
home ruler"
al calculate that We will celebrate tina
glorious event about the 18th Of March
Isa0 81. Pairick's day. Some think
will b. earlier, but hardly do. Yes, siI
on that date we expect 30 open the gram
oil Parliament house on College Green
II will I've the grandcst celebration eve
had Dublin will not hold the devote
Sons Of Ireland who will come from ever
cline to witness the restoration OF thci
native isle 10 self-goycrnment Then, toe
Il will lie celebrated all over the know
world. They tell me you have 2O,0OOOO
Irish and their descendants In this goo
land. America will be- represented then
Tor she well deserves 10 be, having COT
tribuied 20 nobly TO the contamination
The event"
About this ,imc Mr.. 0'Connor came Il
He is much the senior Of Sir ThOml
Esmondc, being about forty years OF ag
but exceedingly well preserved. lie
fully six feet tall, 81 slender build, wit
full black beard and hair, being PARTIAL
bald lie has every appearance OF
scholar and orator, keen, flashing blaC
eyes, and a voice molliluous but con
nanding. lie did not seem 90 he In
very laxative mood, but couricOusly =
spondcd 10 the following questions
Of encouragement ~ hoped for2'
well, 4" said he, "you have been tall
ing 20 my distinguished colleague, 5
Thomas. and do not doubt but that
has told you all that We both know.
for your question, am glad 10 answer
IN the affirmative. We have not bc,
surprised nj the reception from our ov
conmrymcn, but the magnanimity OF u
Americans Is far beyond anything We a
ticipated, and extremely gratifying % us
$40 YOU feel in any degree discourag'
by the events which have transpired
Ireland since the promgation OF Parli
mcntg'
''Not IN the least. Just what We anti,
pa,ed. You Americans seem 10 lie NJ
priscd and shocked at the crucltics We n
subjccied to- That Is because you cam
know fully the situation. The English q
cruel and wanionly harsh in their trct
nont II Ireland. Nothing that ieclir
lcss Ministry can devise u too severe
our people, nor do they care 20 what q
tremitics the treatment IL carried"
''lIow Il the health Of Mr.. % Bricn, q
do you think he will emerge from pri-
In q sound condition after the eXpi1ti
oi his tcrmY
Your people are Just as well Informed
o. Mr.. O'lIrien as am. am not a pl
stefan and cannot speak for his heal
He l. n brave man and will stand the
deal through which be Is being 10 cruc
made 10 pass with great dead Of nerve.
hopc I've will come ont all right"
hwhat do you think will b. the Ell
upon English constituencies, II Engl
members Of Parliament who have sPoL
In irclend since his arrest are arrested q
inprisunedf"
at will increase the feeling against
government"